Salmonella outbreak in Britain leaves one dead and 207 people infected

An unusual salmonella outbreak in the United Kingdom has claimed one life and caused health problems for hundreds of people. Initial suspicions link the spread of the infection to food prepared with imported eggs.

The UK Health Security Agency is investigating 207 salmonella cases identified over the past year, most of which were recorded in recent weeks.

England accounts for the vast majority of cases, with 199 people infected. Forty-seven cases have been reported in London, while 38 have been recorded in Yorkshire and the Humber.

More than one-third of patients have required hospitalisation. Infants are among those affected, while the patients’ ages range up to 90. Two people have suffered serious complications, but most have recovered without requiring specific treatment, the BBC reported.

Salmonella infection can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever. These symptoms usually appear 12 to 72 hours after infection.

The bacterium can be present in raw or undercooked meat and poultry, as well as in eggs. Thorough cooking and safe food preparation help reduce the risk, while washing hands after using the toilet and before handling or preparing food remains an important preventive measure.

Every year, thousands of cases of food poisoning caused by different types of salmonella are reported in the United Kingdom. However, outbreaks originating from a specific strain of the bacterium and affecting a large number of people during the same period are rarer.